1860 Token Miller NY-312 White Metal E. Hill

Coin Details

Auction Record

$85 MS64 09-02-2021 Stack's Bowers

Description

E. Hill was a dealer in coins, medals, minerals, autographs, and engravings at 6 Bleecker Street in New York City. Hill's tokens (Miller NY-312, NY-316, NY-318) were produced with dies cut by George H. Lovett, one of the most distinguished die sinkers of the era. The multiple token varieties in white metal and brass reflect Hill's position as both a dealer and a participant in the growing numismatic community of pre-Civil War New York. His diverse inventory — coins, minerals, autographs, and engravings — was typical of the curiosity dealers who served a broad collector clientele in mid-century Manhattan. This white metal piece is somewhat scarcer than copper or brass versions. This white metal piece has a distinctive silvery sheen produced by the tin-based alloy. White metal tokens were less durable than copper or brass, and well-preserved examples are correspondingly scarcer. E. Hill issued 3 known token varieties. Cataloged as Miller NY-312.

Rarity Notes

White metal and silvered strikings are less common than copper or brass versions and tend to show more wear due to softer alloy composition. E. Hill issued 3 known token varieties.

Cross References

Miller NY-312